SOLDIERS from the Green Howards based in Northern Ireland have done their bit to keep the Great North Air Ambulance flying.

When the aircraft paid a visit to Richmond Castle it seemed the ideal opportunity to hand over money raised at a bonfire night and fireworks display at the unit's current base at Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly.

The cheque for more than £300 was presented by Green Howards recruitment officer, Sgt Chris Gent, as well as the Richmond Drummer Boy, dressed in eighteenth century Green Howards costume.

Local legend has it that one of the regiment's young musicians was once sent down a tunnel thought to lead from Richmond Castle to Easby Abbey, tapping his drum so comrades could follow his progress above ground.

The plan worked at first - but then the sound of drumming stopped and the young volunteer was never seen again.

Sgt Gent said: "The Green Howards recruit in Teesside and North Yorkshire and the regimental headquarters is in Richmond, so it was appropriate to present this cheque at Richmond Castle. Our soldiers are very keen to support local causes and were pleased to help the air ambulance."